Deal instructs agencies to prepare for medical cannabis law

ATLANTA (WRCB) -
Georgia Governor Nathan Deal signed an executive order directing state agencies to begin preparations that will allow the use of cannabis oil for eight medical conditions on Friday. Deal will sign the bill after the session to ensure that no conflicts arise with other pieces of legislation.

“This executive order is the first step in bringing home families who've sought relief elsewhere and for providing new medical solutions for Georgians suffering from debilitating conditions,” Deal said.

Under this legislation, the Georgia Composite Medical Board will draft a patient waiver and a physician certification form. Upon completion, the forms will be available to patients meeting the specified criteria through DPH. Once certified by the appropriate health care provider, patients will be provided with documentation allowing for possession of low-THC cannabis oil.

“While we want to treat suffering patients and bring children home as quickly as possible, it is critical that we take every precaution to safeguard private health information and ensure the security of the new patient registry. In the coming days, these agencies will continue providing updates and further guidance to patients and the public.

“I look forward to the day when I can sign this legislation into law – a day that is coming soon. Today, we're beginning to reap the harvest of that hard work. Soon, families will be reunited and more Georgians will gain access to the treatment they require. I'm proud to see Georgia leading in this way,” said Deal.